Strikes vote ++ The RMT has welcomed a majority vote by its rail industry members to continue strikes for up to another six months. The law had required a new ballot to be held, and the union said the average turnout among the staff of Network Rail and 14 operators had been 70.3 per cent, with 91.7 per cent saying ‘yes’. General secretary Mick Lynch said it was a ‘massive endorsement’ of the union’s plan to ‘win workplace justice through negotiation where possible and industrial action if necessary’. He continued: ‘This union is determined to continue with this campaign until the employers understand that they need to respond to our members' aspirations on job security, pay and working conditions.’ Rail Delivery Group chair Steve Montgomery said: ‘Passengers will be dismayed by this outcome. We recognise the strength of feeling among our people, and call on the RMT leadership to continue to work with us to agree the vital reforms necessary to both afford a fair pay deal, and secure a sustainable future for the railway which is currently taking more than its fair share from the taxpayer. Further counterproductive strike action would only heap more misery in the run up to Christmas, and continue to undermine the viability of an industry we all want to see thrive.’

Committee election ++ MP Iain Stewart has been elected chair of the House of Commons Transport Committee, after the previous holder of the post Huw Merriman had become a transport minister and as a member of the government was no longer qualified to be on the Committee. The other candidates were Jack Brereton, Jackie Doyle-Price, Katherine Fletcher, Chris Loder and Karl McCartney. Mr Stewart, who represents Milton Keynes South, said: ‘I have a real passion for, and experience in, transport issues and I am very much looking forward to working with colleagues on the Committee to complete the existing programme of work and establish fresh inquiries.’ Rail Partners chief executive Andy Bagnall said: ‘We welcome the news of Iain Stewart’s appointment. He brings a wealth of experience as a former member of the Committee and also as parliamentary private secretary, and we wish him well in his tenure. The Committee plays a vital scrutiny role as the railway responds to the challenges it faces.’